I need some advice on taking the next step..

In my early 20s I had several charge offs on credit cards, which wrecked my credit from the start. I was still able to get Stafford loans for school, which I stopped paying on when the payments came due and I did not realize how easy it was to fix at the time. After paying off a truck from a small mom and pop lot, I lived virutally credit free for about 5 years. Some utility and medical collections that I let sit came and went. The only debt I had standing were student loans.

About three years ago, I decided to finally do something about getting my credit back in order. I participated in the loan rehabilitation program which allowed me to get my student loans out of default and off my credit report. I started writing letters about old collection accounts and getting them removed or worked out. I also purchased a truck at 18.5% interest and have been making the payments on time ever since. My FICO score was in the low 500s at that time. I also received two First Premiere credit cards, which I pay in full each month.

A year ago, I set a goal for myself that I wanted to buy my own house. I have a good job and would have no problem making the payments. I worked hard and continued to pay everything on time and built my score up to 689 at its highest point. Last month I finally closed on my new house.

After buying the house, I applied for and received a Capital One card. My score has dipped back down to about 660, which was expected with the acquisition of new credit.

So, my question is: Other than just waiting for my credit to mature and gradually raise my score, what can I do next? I pay my credit cards each month, so there is very small utilization. My student loans are in deferment because I am currently going back to school. I have debt payments other than the mortgage and the truck loan.

Forums posts are not provided or commissioned by FICO. Forums posts have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by FICO. It is not FICO's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Advertiser Disclosure: The listings that appear on myFICO are from companies from which myFICO receives compensation, which may impact how and where products appear on myFICO (including, for example, the order in which they appear). myFICO does not review or include all companies or all available products.

† Credit cards for FICO Score ranges: The score ranges are guidelines based on internal myFICO analysis of actual applicant approvals, and having a FICO Score in a particular range does not guarantee you will be approved for credit cards recommended in that range. These ranges were not provided by any card issuer.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All FICO® Score products made available on myFICO.com include a FICO® Score 8, along with additional FICO® Score versions. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO® Score than the versions you receive from myFICO, or another type of credit score altogether. Learn more

FICO, myFICO, Score Watch, The score lenders use, and The Score That Matters are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fair Isaac Corporation. Equifax Credit Report is a trademark of Equifax, Inc. and its affiliated companies. Many factors affect your FICO Score and the interest rates you may receive. Fair Isaac is not a credit repair
organization as defined under federal or state law, including the Credit Repair Organizations Act. Fair Isaac does not provide "credit repair" services or advice or
assistance regarding "rebuilding" or "improving" your credit record, credit history or credit rating. FTC's website on credit.